As a homeowner considering a remodel, it’s natural to wonder if you can buy your own materials. You may already have a tile picked out or scored a floor-sample deal on a light fixture, or maybe you just want to try to save some money. We hear this question often, and we get it—when you’re investing in your home, you want everything to be just right.
At Sherman General Contracting we believe in open, straight-forward communication from the start. So we’ll answer that here and see when it does make sense for you to purchase items, when it doesn’t, how that works in our process.
The Short Answer
Usually not—but there are exceptions.
While we understand why you might want to bring in your own materials—whether to save costs, use something unique, or simply stay involved—our system usually functions best when we supply most of the materials required.
That said, there are some times where it makes sense for you to supply specific items, and we are open to that—as long as it is discussed and agreed upon before the contract is signed.
When Do Most Clients Supply Their Own Materials?
There are a couple categories of material that we actually typically prefer homeowners to supply:
- Appliances: You may already know what refrigerator, or specialty range, you want to buy.
- Lighting fixtures: Perhaps you have the ideal pendant lights or signature chandelier.
- Plumbing fixtures: Homeowners often provide their own sinks, faucets and sometimes even toilets.
- Specialty or Reclaimed Items: Consider antique vanities, barn doors, or tile from a certain boutique supplier.
When any of these is true, we’re glad to work around them, as long as we know about it early enough to coordinate appropriately.
We specifically indicate in our contracts what materials are Client-Provided versus Contractor-Provided. That way, we’re all on the same page before we get started.
Why We Usually Supply the Materials
Generally, we’d rather source the materials on our own—and here are several big reasons why:
Ensuring Correct Quantities and Specs
- One of the greatest frustrations of a remodel is realizing, somewhere in the middle of the project, that something is not right. Maybe not enough tile was ordered, the flooring is incorrect or the trim kit doesn’t match the shower valve.
- When we source the materials, we’re responsible for making sure everything is compatible, fits correctly, and meets the project’s needs. It saves time, avoids costly delays, and gives you peace of mind.
Timing and Scheduling
- Timing is everything in a well-run remodel. Should a key material be on backorder, delayed or even lost in transit, that creates a potentially big problem in the project’s schedule.
- When we place orders for materials through our trusted suppliers, we have greater visibility and control over delivery schedules—and we can adjust if something doesn’t go according to plan.
Quality Control
- Just because a product looks great online doesn’t mean it actually is. We’ve seen a lot of “too-good-to-be-true” deals become actual problems—tile that’s fragile, cabinets that disintegrate or paint that peels.
- We work with vendors we trust to provide quality materials we know will hold up in the long run. That means you’re not just receiving an attractive remodel on day one—but one that looks good after years have passed.
Streamlined Accountability
- When we supply the materials, we are fully responsible if something arrives damaged or is not right. We take care of returns, exchanges and adjustments so you don’t have to worry about it.
- But when materials are client-provided, things can get more complicated. Who’s responsible if the item shows up broken? What if it’s the wrong size? Or incompatible with other parts of the project? These situations can slow things down and create unnecessary confusion.
What if you buy your own materials anyway?
The fact of the matter is: Even when our clients do order their own materials we almost always end up dragged into double-checking the order. Is it the right size? Will it work with the system we’re putting in? Do we have enough of it?
That might sound harmless, but those checks take time—and time is money on a jobsite. When we’re researching specs, or calling vendors for your order, that can mean unexpected expense or delay and adds confusion into our planning.
We’re always happy to help guide your decisions and give you recommendations—but if you’re sourcing materials yourself, it’s essential that those decisions are finalized before we start the project.
We’re Flexible—With Proper Planning
We love that homeowners are enthusiastic about their remodel and want to be included! If there’s something specific you really want to provide—a unique vanity, vintage lighting—we can absolutely work with that.
The key is communication and planning. We just ask that these items be discussed and agreed upon during the design and proposal stage. Once the contract is signed and the project is underway, late changes or last-minute additions can create real logistical challenges.
Our Aim: A Seamless Remodel and a Gorgeous Result
In the end, we want your remodel to run smoothly, finish on time and end with a space you love. The way we deal with materials is meant to facilitate that.
We’re not here to overcharge or keep you out of process—we’re here to step in and juggle all the moving parts required for a successful renovation! By sourcing most of our own materials, we can provide a remodel that’s high-quality, well-coordinated and as stress-free as possible for you.
Let’s Do It Right, From the Beginning
So—can you purchase your own materials? Sometimes, yes. But it’s something we need to discuss and plan for in advance.
If you have a specific idea, let’s talk about it at the beginning of the process. We’ll work out what ways it makes sense for you to contribute, and what’s better off left to us.
Thinking about renovating your home? Contact Us at Sherman General Contracting. We’re here to help you get through it and create a home you love coming back to every day.